Uber details St. Louis ride-hailing demand in first weekend

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Uber says it provided more than 5,000 rides in the St. Louis area last weekend after rolling out its ride-hailing service in defiance of taxicab regulators.

San Francisco-based Uber launched its service Friday in St. Louis city and St. Louis County.

That was the same day the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission voted 7-1 vote to allow Uber in the region. The approval came with the caveat that would-be Uber drivers agree to be fingerprinted as part of a criminal background check that taxi drivers also already must undergo.

Uber has balked at such calls, insisting its vetting is sufficient.

A federal judge later Friday declined Uber's request for a temporary order that would have blocked the commission from any action meant to stifle Uber. Uber's antitrust lawsuit against the panel continues.

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